It's the first tire launch of 2011, and it's the launch we've all been hoping for - the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2!

The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric was the successor to the extremely popular Eagle F1 GSD3 and quickly established itself as the tire to beat. Three years after the launch of the Eagle F1 Asymmetric it still scores extremely well in both magazine tests and user reviews.

The improvements

In launching the F1 Asymmetric 2, Goodyear have concentrated on improving the braking performance and reducing the rolling resistance of the tire. The F1 Asymmetric 2 is the first Goodyear tire to use ActiveBraking technology, which Goodyear claim delivers up to 3 meters shorter stopping distance on both wet and dry roads when compared to "3 leading competitors". ActiveBraking technology increases the contact patch of the tire during braking due to a specially designed tread block which deforms under load to offer extra grip. The F1 Asymmetric 2 also features a crossed plies carcass structure to offer improved torsion stiffness and has been constructed to minimised tire weight. By combining a stiffer tire and reducing both the unsprung and rotational weight attached to the vehicle, these features should offer both improved steering precision and handling when pushing on.

The independent TUV test also confirmed the F1 Asymmetric 2 has a class leading rolling resistance, a full 7% better than it's nearest rival in 255/40 r19 thanks to it's fuel saving technology and aerodynamic sidewall design.

The proof

Not wanting to just take Goodyears word for how good the F1 Asymmetric 2 is, Tire Reviews is currently in Spain at the launch. Armed with a GPS data logger, a video camera and an iPad, we are ready to report on exactly how well the F1 A2 performs.

Watch this space for some real world experience of the F1 Asymmetric 2, or alternatively follow Tire Reviews on twitter or facebook for real time feedback.

Links:
- Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2
- Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric
- Goodyear Tires
- Goodyear (external)

Full F1 Asymmetric 2 press release

Goodyear introduces Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 - successor to multiple test-winning summer tire.

Innovative ActiveBraking Technology delivers up to 3 meters shorter stopping distance (Compared to the average performance of three leading competitors. Braking distance on wet road from 80km/h to 20km/h, braking distance on dry road from 100km/h to 0km/h, measured by TÃœV SÃœD Automotive in December 2010; Tire Size: 255/40R19; Test Car: Audi A7; Location: Mireval (FR) & Garching (GE); Report nr: 76244706-1.)

Seville, Spain, February 7th, 2011 - Goodyear is proud to introduce the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 with revolutionary ActiveBraking Technology, which answers the most pressing needs of consumers of Ultra High Performance (UHP) tires: greatly improved stopping distances when they need it most.

The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 is the latest in Goodyear's Ultra High Performance summer tire line-up. It is a tire that is designed to exceed the high expectations set by outstanding success of its predecessor, the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric.

The ActiveBraking Technology in the new Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 increases road contact during braking, thereby delivering significantly shorter braking distances on both dry and wet roads - proof of Goodyear's continued commitment and efforts to improving road safety.

The tire also performed well in dry braking and handling tests, stopping 2 meters shorter than the average performance of the three leading competitors. On dry roads, the competitors tested were still travelling at an average speed of 22km/h while the Goodyear Eagle F1 had already come to a stop. The TÃœV SÃœD Automotive test also confirmed that the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 delivers top-class rolling resistance in its category, with a 7% better rolling resistance2.

Better prepared for the unexpected - with ActiveBraking Technology.

Building on the success of its predecessor, the new Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 with ActiveBraking Technology, crossed plies carcass structure and ‘high surface' silica tread compound sets new standards in dry and wet performance, handling and braking in the ultra-high performance tire segment.

Asymmetric 2 increases the road contact patch of the tire during braking. While conventional tire blocks show little or no transformation during braking, the blocks in the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 due to their specially designed shape, develop more surface under braking load and therefore increase the tire-to-surface contact area. The larger contact patch offers increased grip, which in turn leads to shorter stopping distances.

Improved dry performance: handling and steering precision with exceptional braking capacities.

The new Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 features a crossed plies carcass structure, which contributes to increased torsion stiffness for improved steering precision, handling and braking on dry road surfaces. The new tread compound, containing very high levels of a new Silica grade delivers superior grip levels leading to further gains in dry handling and dry braking performances.

The lower tire weight also contributes to better dry handling, as the vehicle's unsprung mass is reduced, enabling the tire to follow the surface contours more closely.

Short braking on wet

On top of the ActiveBraking Technology, the new tread compound, using a unique blend of high molecular weight polymers, a very high silica content and race traction resin bring increased levels of adhesion on wet road surfaces.

Reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The new Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 also features Goodyear's renowned FuelSaving Technology, which ensures reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Three areas have been subject to Goodyear engineers' attention:
- A minimized tire weight with less rubber and an optimized tire construction for reduced heat generation and rolling resistance;
- A new ‘high surface' silica grade that contributes to reduced heat generation;
- An aerodynamic sidewall design, which delivers significantly lower aerodynamic drag further minimizing energy loss, especially at higher speeds.

Lower noise emission levels

The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 offers a smooth and quiet ride. The tire's optimized block design and optimized 4 Pitches Sequence with 64 blocks on the outside and 72 blocks on the inside help reduce noise output levels.

Better mileage

The tire's computer optimized cavity shape and tread stiffness result in uniform pressure and stiffness distribution across the footprint, resulting in better mileage levels.

Wide range of sizes available

The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 is available in 29 popular sizes:

235/50R18 XL 101 Y

215/45R17 87 Y
215/45R17 XL 91 Y
225/45R17 91 Y
225/45R17 XL 94 Y
235/45R17 94 Y
235/45R17 XL 97 Y
235/45R18 XL 98 Y
255/45R18 XL 103 Y

245/40R17 91 Y
245/40R17 XL 95 Y
225/40R18 88 Y
225/40R18 XL 92 Y
235/40R18 XL 95 Y
245/40R18 93 Y

245/40R18 XL 97 Y
255/40R18 95 Y
255/40R19 XL 100 Y

245/35R18 XL 92 Y
255/35R18 XL 94 Y
265/35R18 XL 97 Y
225/35R19 XL 88 Y
235/35R19 XL 91 Y
245/35R19 XL 93 Y
255/35R19 XL 96 Y
285/35R18 97 Y

255/30R19 XL 91 Y
265/30R19 XL 93 Y
275/30R19 XL 96 Y

In 2012, additional 21 sizes will be added to the size line-up.